US defensive strikes on Iran complete, military installations and communications systems targeted, Centcom

WASHINGTON: US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that, at the direction of President Donald Trump, defensive strikes against multiple targets in Iran have been completed.

According to Centcom, Iran’s military surveillance capabilities, communications systems and air defense installations were targeted during the operation. The statement said that the US Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy jointly participated in these attacks.

The US military says that the target of the operation was Iranian assets that were posing a threat to US forces and commercial vessels. Centcom took the position that these attacks were carried out in response to Iran’s “unauthorized and continued aggression”.

The statement further said that US forces are fully prepared to deal with any possible situation and will continue to take necessary measures to defend our interests and allies in the region.

Explosions have been heard in various parts of the country, including the Iranian capital Tehran. According to Iranian news agencies, explosions have also been reported in Tehran, Sirik, Manab, Qeshm, Hingam and Gorgan.

Iranian media say that the explosions heard in Qeshm and Hingam were the result of missile strikes. While the echoes of explosions were also heard in the port city of Gorgan.

No official details have been released by Iranian authorities yet about the nature of the explosions, possible damages or casualties, however, the security situation in various areas is being assessed.